Easy Baby Carrier to Put Baby in

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Baby wraps and slings have so many benefits for parents and caregivers. They make skin-to-skin bonding time easier, allow you to carry a fussy baby (and sometimes even a toddler!) around hands-free, make breastfeeding simpler, and give you a break when you need to hold an infant and simultaneously keep other kids entertained. Seriously, a wrap or sling belongs on every parent's must-have list!

Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MD, board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of Buybuy Baby's Parenting Pros, tells Verywell Family that in addition to soothing a crying infant, baby-wearing keeps your little one safe from unwanted visitors. "People love kids, but while [you're] wearing your baby, they are less likely to come close enough to touch your little one," she explains. "But be sure you are wearing them the right way and for the right chores to ensure safety."

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends safe baby wearing for soothing, bonding, and nurturing baby's development. We kept Dr. Orajiaka's advice in mind while looking at the design, fit, and materials of the baby wraps and slings on the market to make this list.

Based on our research, here are the best baby wraps and slings.

Courtesy of Boba Boba

Pros

• Machine washable

• Can be used for children up to 35 pounds

The Boba Baby Wrap Carrier is our top pick because it can be used immediately after birth and beyond. Available in a wide variety of colors, this baby wrap is great for infants from birth up to 35 pounds. It's made from super soft and breathable cotton with a little bit of spandex to provide stretch and keep the baby snug and cozy.

To use this one-size-fits-most wrap, all you have to do is tie it around your body (using instructions provided) and you're ready to go. The wrap is machine washable and is also great for nursing.

Material: Cotton and spandex | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 11.5 inches | Weight Limit: 35 pounds

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

• Soft

• High weight limit

This wrap sling will keep your baby warm, snug, and comfortable in a soft blend of cotton and spandex. Available in several color options, this carrier promotes parent and baby bonding while supporting your baby's weight and bone development and also protecting the adult's back. Babies can safely snuggle up in this wrap from birth until they weigh 35 pounds.

Material: Cotton and spandex | Dimensions: 177.17 x 19.69 x 0 inches | Weight Limit: 35 pounds

Pros

• Four ways to wear

• Machine washable

• Size inclusive

Cons

• Sling style requires practice

• Material is thick

If you want a wrap or sling to double for breastfeeding purposes, we think the Kids N' Such Wrap & Sling will fit the bill thanks to four different styling options. Wear it at home or out and about as a wrap, sling, postpartum belly band, or nursing cover.

It's made from a cotton blend that's machine washable, which will definitely come in handy. Babies 8 pounds and up to 35 pounds can safely and comfortably enjoy the wrap or sling. Plus, the extra-long fabric (5.5 yards!) ensures parents and caregivers can find the proper and supportive fit.

Material: Cotton blend | Dimensions: 200 x 20 x 0.20 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 35 pounds

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

• Front/hip carrying options

• Machine washable

Cons

• Not recommended for babies under 8 pounds

Tie wraps can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but this one comes with a ring that makes it easy to safely secure your baby and adjust the sling to fit you just right. Adults can carry babies who are between 8 and 33 pounds in either a cradled or hip sitting position. It's made from a soft, breathable fabric and is machine washable.

Material: Cotton | Dimensions: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 8 to 33 pounds

Courtesy of Macy's

Pros

• Organic cotton material

• Five different positions

Cons

• Not plus-size friendly

• Not recommended for babies under 8 pounds

If you're looking for a natural option, this carrier by Baby K'Tan is made from 100% organic cotton, which is breathable and super soft. Unlike a lot of wraps with complicated instructions, this one slips over the adult's head and comes in sizes extra-small through extra-large to ensure a proper fit. You can convert the carrier into five different positions, depending on your baby's size and development. The carrier is designed to evenly distribute weight to support the adult wearing it. It's also machine washable.

Material: Organic cotton | Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.5 x 2.8 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 35 pounds

What Our Editors Say

"Once I watched the videos of this about a dozen times, I was able to get the hang of it. I used this non-stop at home so I could be hands-free while keeping my baby boy close." — Dwyer Frame, VP of Commerce

Courtesy of Lille baby

Pros

• Back support

• Machine washable

• Size inclusive

Cons

• Not recommended for babies under 8 pounds

This carrier fits adults from size 00 to 24 and even has a back panel that is designed to support the wearer's back while also evenly distributing the baby's weight. The machine-washable wrap carrier is made to be breathable using a 50% cotton and 50% modal fabric. Adults can safely carry babies between 8 and 30 pounds using this carrier, and it comes in various color options.

Material: Cotton and modal fabric | Dimensions: 0.3 x 20 x 24 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 30 pounds

 Courtesy of Solly Baby

Pros

• Self-enclosing pocket

• Silky soft texture

Cons

• Costly

• Low weight limit

This wrap carrier is a little pricier than other options, but that's because it's made from 100% Lenzing modal, a fabric made from the pulp of Austrian beechwood trees, which provides a super silky soft texture for baby to curl up and sleep in. It can safely carry babies up to 25 pounds (or around 9 months old) and even has a little self-enclosing pocket on one end so adults can easily pack it up after use. It's safe for the washer and dryer and is available to purchase in three color options.

Material: Lenzing modal | Dimensions: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 25 pounds (maximum)

What Our Editors Say

"The Solly Baby Wrap seems intimidating to tie before you start, but it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. My son loves the cozy feeling of being in this wrap. He's pretty much guaranteed to fall asleep on our walks." — Julia Warren, VP of Commerce

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

• Budget-friendly

• Safe for babies up to 35 pounds

Cons

• Rings sold separately for sling use

For adults who need a safe and cozy wrap on a budget, this carrier checks all the boxes. It's available in 11 different color/pattern options and can safely carry babies from birth up to 35 pounds. It's made from a breathable jersey fabric that is machine washable and has just enough stretch to be comfortable while also keeping the baby in place. It can be converted to wear the baby in a variety of positions, all of which evenly distribute weight to better support the adult's back.

Material: Jersey fabric | Dimensions: 202.7 x 21.6 inches | Weight Limit: 35 pounds (maximum)

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

• Adjustable back band

• Different carrying positions

Baby wearing can be a breeze (literally!) with the Baby K'Tan Breeze Baby Carrier's user-friendly design. There are no buckles and no extra fabric to wrap around your body, and the wrap simply slides on like a T-shirt in three easy steps. It's safe for babies from 8 to 35 pounds to use and can be used in different positions, like a carrier or sling.

Made with cotton and mesh, this wrap will keep baby and you cool while out and about. It's designed with parents and caregivers in mind thanks to its adjustable band.

Material: Cotton and mesh | Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.5 x 2.8 inches | Weight Limit: 8 to 35 pounds

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

• Several different size options

• Small pocket

Weighing less than half a pound and made of cotton, this wrap made of breathable fabric is designed for babies up to 44 pounds. It comes in sizes XXS to 5X, so caregivers can choose what's best for them.

It even features a small pocket for the much-needed pacifier or small burp cloth. And when it needs a wash, you can simply toss it into the washer and allow it to air-dry.

Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 7.76 x 5.2 x 3.7 inches | Weight Limit: 44 pounds (maximum)

Final Verdict:

It's hard to go wrong with any of these wraps or slings, but our top picks are the Boba Wrap Baby Carrier (view at Amazon), Baby K'Tan Active Baby Wrap Carrier (view at Macy's), and the MOBY Wrap Ring Sling (view at Amazon).

How We Selected the Best Baby Wraps and Slings

We chose the best baby wraps and slings by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and by examining the features of dozens of baby wraps and slings on the market. We considered design, features, fit, price, ease of cleaning, material, and safety when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MD, board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of buybuy BABY Parenting Pros, for safety recommendations while reviewing guidance from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

What to Look for in Baby Wraps and Slings

Breathability

Holding your little one close to you for an extended period of time can really crank up the body heat. Opting for a wrap or sling that allows for air to flow easily will help keep you and your baby cool and comfortable while you're using the sling or wrap. Lightweight materials like 100% cotton or airy linen can keep you cooler while baby-wearing.

Before you decide to get close, however, talk with your baby's pediatrician to ensure baby-wearing is safe for your child, recommends Dr. Orajiaka tells Verywell Family. "Some premature babies do not have enough muscle strength to keep their airway open in an unsupported position, so be cautious," she warns.

Fit

Just like when you purchase clothes, it's important to find a wrap or sling that fits your body comfortably. Along with keeping your own sizing in mind, you also want to be mindful of how well your little one fits into the wrap or sling; most have weight limits. Dr. Orajiaka recommends doing a try-on in-store if possible to find that proper fit.

"If possible, it's best to take your baby with you while shopping for the carrier to make sure it's their size, and the leg holes are not too small for them to fall out," she says, adding to also "check for any recalls before purchase."

Dr. Orajiaka explains that when worn properly, wraps and slings can "actually help with development and decrease hip dysplasia" and "does not negatively affect hip development."

"The natural clinging position for infants is the M-position, and this is the recommended position to wear a baby. M-position means, thighs spread over parent's body, hips bent a little so the knees are slightly higher than the buttocks with thighs supported," Dr. Orajiaka explains. "Legs should never be dangling on the sides."

Ease of Use

At first glance, wraps and slings can be slightly intimidating, especially when compared to more structured baby carriers or backpacks. Slings and wraps fall on a wide spectrum of difficulty, with some being far easier to use than others. Opting for a version that fits your skill level will help you feel more confident about wearing your little one in a wrap or sling.

Using a baby wrap or sling shouldn't feel like an Olympic sport, so you'll want to find a wrap or sling that's easy to use and comfortable.

"Maintain the recommended position when placing your baby. That way, you can protect yourself while you also protect your baby," says Dr. Orajiaka. "Parents should bend at the knees when using baby carriers and not at the waist. This will not only protect your baby from falling out but also protects your back."

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are baby wraps or slings better?

  For many people, slings are easier to use than baby wraps. Like most things, it's a matter of personal preference, so you should choose the option that feels most secure and comfortable for you and your baby. However, it's also going to depend on the age and weight of your baby, Dr. Orajiaka says.

  "Wraps are more comfortable during the early weeks or months of your baby's life. As they get heavier, wraps may not provide as much support, " she explains. "Wraps are great if you master how to use them accurately to keep your baby protected."

  Slings typically fit on one shoulder, but can cause problems if the fit isn't proper by digging into your shoulder, Dr. Orajiaka says. When compared to a wrap, baby slings "offer an easier transition for breastfeeding parents to feed when compared with the other two."

  If baby wraps or slings aren't your thing, you can opt for a baby carrier instead. "Another option is the infant carriers, which seem to be sturdier and take on more weight, hence may be used for longer days," Dr. Orajiaka tells Verywell Family. "But your baby needs to be up to a certain weight to use a carrier. Also, carriers are a little heavier compared to sling and wraps."

  In order to determine the best fit for your family, "decide how long you intend to wear your baby, and what position" while also considering your budget, Dr. Orajiaka suggests.

• While our favorite baby wrap is the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier, the best baby wrap for you depends on the age and weight of your baby, how you'd like to carry them—i.e., on your chest or back—and your budget.

  Stretchy wraps don't offer as much support as woven wraps, but that makes them more suitable for newborns, as well as easier to use and more comfortable. Woven wraps are sturdier and ideal for front or back carrying. They can be worn in a variety of ways as your child ages.
  

• Are slings wraps safe for my newborn?

  Although many slings are not recommended for babies that weigh less than 8 pounds, certain slings can be safe for newborns as long as you follow the directions and beware of obstructing the baby's airways: Your baby's mouth and nose should never be pressed against the sling fabric or your body.

• What baby sling is best for my newborn?

  While our favorite sling is the Moby Ring Sling, the best baby sling for you depends on your body size, baby size, and personal preferences. Dr. Orajiaka recommends rings or slings for newborns, but adds, "Both require a learning curve to get used to."

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She's a mom to 2-year-old and 5-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

dunbarsirly1936.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-baby-slings-and-wraps-4175162

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